In the last years, a particular attention has been paid to “green” materials. Among these there are geopolymers, inorganic polymeric materials obtained by mixing a solid aluminosilicate precursor with an alkaline solution [1]. They represent innovative products in terms of recycling and sustainability since their synthesis is carried at low temperature and involves the re-use of waste materials from human activity [2]. These products are largely used in the cultural heritage field due to their rapid installation, light weight, low impact on the original geometry of the substrate and the possibility of controlling their density and texture according to each specific requirement [3]. Recent innovations in geopolymer technology have led to the development of fiber reinforced composite geopolymers. The addition of different types of fibers, both organic or inorganic, is proved to increase mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength [4]. This study was carried out within the project “Advanced Green Materials for Cultural Heritage” (AGM for CuHe), carried by the University of Catania, which aims to use and valorise local raw materials as precursors to produce geopolymers. This study focused on analysing the structure and the mechanical properties of fibre reinforced geopolymer made using Mt. Etna volcanic ash as precursor and adding organic local prickly pear fibres. The samples obtained were analysed under scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) to evaluate both the amorphous gel formation and the adhesion of geopolymer matrix to the natural fibres net. Compressive and flexural strength were tested in order to compare the mechanical properties of geopolymer composites both with and without fibers. The addition of fibres is expected to enhance the brittle failure mode of geopolymer binders, reducing the shrinkage and leading up to an improvement in terms of durability of the system, which is highly demanded in the delicate question of Cultural Heritage preservation.

Fiber composite geopolymers using Mt. Etna volcanic ash as precursor

Zafarana S. E.
;
Occhipinti R.;Barone G.;Mazzoleni P.
2022-01-01

Abstract

In the last years, a particular attention has been paid to “green” materials. Among these there are geopolymers, inorganic polymeric materials obtained by mixing a solid aluminosilicate precursor with an alkaline solution [1]. They represent innovative products in terms of recycling and sustainability since their synthesis is carried at low temperature and involves the re-use of waste materials from human activity [2]. These products are largely used in the cultural heritage field due to their rapid installation, light weight, low impact on the original geometry of the substrate and the possibility of controlling their density and texture according to each specific requirement [3]. Recent innovations in geopolymer technology have led to the development of fiber reinforced composite geopolymers. The addition of different types of fibers, both organic or inorganic, is proved to increase mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength [4]. This study was carried out within the project “Advanced Green Materials for Cultural Heritage” (AGM for CuHe), carried by the University of Catania, which aims to use and valorise local raw materials as precursors to produce geopolymers. This study focused on analysing the structure and the mechanical properties of fibre reinforced geopolymer made using Mt. Etna volcanic ash as precursor and adding organic local prickly pear fibres. The samples obtained were analysed under scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) to evaluate both the amorphous gel formation and the adhesion of geopolymer matrix to the natural fibres net. Compressive and flexural strength were tested in order to compare the mechanical properties of geopolymer composites both with and without fibers. The addition of fibres is expected to enhance the brittle failure mode of geopolymer binders, reducing the shrinkage and leading up to an improvement in terms of durability of the system, which is highly demanded in the delicate question of Cultural Heritage preservation.
2022
fibre-reinforced geopolymers, fibres, composite geopolymer
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/551235
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